In 1625, Patr. Gerasimus I, Spartaliotes, in a letter to Patr. Philaret (Romanov) of Moscow and Tsar Michael of Russia, granted special ecclesiastical rights that only the Apostolic Throne of Alexandria had, and also noted holy relics were given to the Tsar. Patr. Gerasimus added, "My humbleness decided, according to the authority which belongs to me, to grant honors to His All Holiness Philaret, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and all His successors, to have the patriarchal cloak similar to mine decorated with red stripes".